Frankish rule in Cyprus

Frankish rule in Cyprus began in 1192 after Richard the Lionheart of England captured the island during the Crusades and sold it to the French House of Lusignan. The Franks established a feudal system, with their own rulers and nobility controlling land and local populations. They built castles and churches, introduced Western legal and administrative practices, and influenced Cyprus’s culture and religion. This period lasted until the late 15th century, shaping much of the island’s medieval history. Overall, Frankish rule marked a significant shift from Byzantine control, blending Western European traditions with local Cypriot society.